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Glitz, Glamour and Great People

Over 200 people attended this year’s glittering Michael Rosen Awards, which took place in the stunning banqueting suite at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London on Wednesday 18th November.

The awards celebrate people within Certitude who “go the extra mile” to make a difference to people supported by the organisation. Nominees were joined by colleagues, people using Certitude’s services, families, carers, volunteers and fundraisers.

The Michael Rosen Awards were founded in 2010 by Sheila Rosen in memory of her late husband, who was Chair of Support for Living during 2007-2008.

After dinner, the real business of the evening began, as Aisling Duffy, CEO of Certitude, introduced the awards and described the important contribution staff have made to the growth and success of Certitude, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. She expressed her delight at the record-breaking 69 people nominated for the 2015 awards and her gratitude to Nim Design for donating a booklet which told every single one of their inspirational stories.

Emotions ran high as delighted, excited and, in some cases, very surprised individuals and teams stepped onto the sparkling stage to receive their runner-up and winners awards. For the five categories of Best Colleague, Best Volunteer, Making a Difference, The Change Maker and, the ultimate accolade, The Michael Rosen Award, all the winners enjoyed rapturous applause and loud cheers from the appreciative guests.

Once all the awards had been presented and the anticipation and nerves were gone, guests were able to spend the rest of the evening relaxing with friends and colleagues, drinking wine, chatting at the bar and dancing the night away at the disco.

The Awards

The Michael Rosen Award

This team were described by Aisling as “exemplifying the vision and values of Certitude.” She congratulated them on how they worked in partnership with individuals and their families. The team had worked particularly hard for one individual over the last 12 months and their skill, commitment and attention to detail garnered high praise from Certitude managers as well external partners – including a case-coordinator and clinical psychologist who sent their best wishes via film.

Making a Difference

Mimosa says she likes to be out and about, and that her approach is certainly appreciated by the people she supports to travel around London. Her nominee said that “regardless of the weather; rain, sun, snow or high wind, Mimosa has not missed an appointment with any of the people she supports.”

Runner up: Terry Burke, My Choice Worker at the Lambeth Cluster.

The Change Maker

Winner: Lorraine Jarman, Family Support Manager

Lorraine was recognised for working in the best interests of families in whatever way they need her, for “achieving many life enhancing changes for numerous families” and for providing a “much needed listening ear and emotional support”.

Runner up: Sandra Tomlinson, Peer Supporter Solidarity in a Crisis.

Best Colleague

Winner: David Moorcroft, Support Worker at Rosemont Rd

Described as “an empathetic, considerate, ethical and hard-working man,” David has worked for Certitude for over 20 years and seemed especially delighted to be recognised for his long-serving commitment.

Joint runner up: Mandeep Jhalli, Receptionist and Admin Assistant

Joint runner up: Kami Flora, Customer Finance Officer.

Best Volunteer

Winner: Peter Walker, volunteer and fundraiser

Peter is both a volunteer for Certitude and a fundraiser. He was congratulated for being a “dedicated, reliable and punctual volunteer” and for ‘taking on three sponsored bike rides which raised hundreds of pounds for Certitude.”